Our view: Give to United Way of Bay County in any way you can

From left to right: siblings Jordan Andrews, Isaiah Huber, and Sarah Andrews, from Auburn, receive their donations from the United Way of Bay County's 'Back to School Clothing Program' in Bay City.Times File Photo

As a result of its annual fundraising campaign, the United Way of Bay County has received $370,000 in donations so far this year.

That may seem like a lot of cash until you consider how far United Way officials stretch donations to help people right here in Bay County.

The reality is, it’s only 32 percent of a goal to raise $1.15 million — money that funds the charitable and community enriching programs of the United Way of Bay County’s 20 partner agencies.

It’s money that makes a huge difference in the lives of so many.

And so, our community finds itself at a crossroads. We now have a choice to make.

Last week, United Way officials put out a plea to the community for help.

What will be our answer?

In making a decision, let us point out a few details about giving to the United Way of Bay County:

• Agencies are funded according to how their program impacts a community need. The United Way funds programs not agencies and those agencies must prove the value of their programs to be eligible for funding.

• Only 5.7 percent of funds donated to United Way of Bay County support management and general expenses. Nationally, an acceptable standard is between 25 percent and 30 percent. That means the money you give is mostly being used to help those in need.

• Last year, Bay County contributed $1.1 million through the annual campaign.

Does it sound like we are cheerleading for United Way of Bay County? You betcha.

That’s because it's not as simple as one organization coming up short. When this charity suffers, 20 invaluable partner agencies suffer as well. And in turn, countless neighbors do, too.

Those partner agencies include the YWCA, Habitat for Humanity, Hidden Harvest, Literacy Council of Bay County, CAN Council, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Bay County Child and Senior Citizen Center. These and many others rely on United Way funding to carry out their programs that touch the lives of many less-fortunate Bay County residents.

So, United Way dollars, in our mind, are a building block of the community.

It is true, there are other building blocks and nearly everyday we are reminded of the vitality of this community. Every day, we see progress being made in the form of new businesses opening, new buildings rising from the earth and new opportunities being made available to citizens, young and old. And everyday, we also see the generosity of our people at work; like folks who show up to fundraising dinners and drop $100 in the donation jar to support a complete stranger “just because.”

We maintain that from an economic development and quality of character standpoint, things are looking up for Bay City.

But even so, the cash flow isn't what it used to be for many of us. The unemployment rate continues to hover above 8 percent. Some businesses are closing their doors.

Yet, the need remains in so many places and in so many faces.

We remain confident that the United Way of Bay County and its partner agencies provide the best vehicle for helping those in need. But to do that, they need the support of this community. They need your support.

By giving to the United Way of Bay County, you give to help make a positive difference at home. It's that simple.

And so, here we are at the crossroads. What will be our answer?

Here’s ours: Give to the United Way of Bay County.

If you can’t give, get involved as a volunteer. If you can’t do either, simply be an ambassador.